Jane's Carousel
"Are we there yet?" "I pee myself." "Are we there yet?" "I'm hungry". "Are we there yet?" "I'm bored." "Are we there yet?" ideas in New York so you don't have to listen to these phrases, at least not more than once on the trip.
"I'M BORED"
Nor should children be forced to carry the Santillana Holidays to the other side of the pond. But it is not bad that each other take advantage of the trips to meet and learn. In New York, the least childish city imaginable a priori, all its great museums are designed for the little ones, with guided tours and special rooms (Met, MoMA, Brooklyn Museum), archaeological gymkhanas (The Cloisters)... There is only one museum that is not child-friendly: the Neue Gallery does not allow entry to children under 12 years of age. And between 12 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Gups.
But you don't need to, here's to choose from: the most recommended to enjoy all together: the Natural History Museum, where Night at the Museum was filmed, or the freak in Ross Geller (Friends) spent hours ; the ** MoMATH **, the new museum of mathematics, a place where numbers are much more fun; the Museum of Moving Image , the history of cinema told in a fun, interactive and educational way. In addition, there are museums dedicated just to them, so they can learn, develop their creativity, scatter to their heart's content and even paint their own paintings, which with luck will end up hanging on the walls of the Children's Museum of Manhattan or the Children's Museum of Brooklyn.
The museum Cooper Hewitt of design has become, according to New York Times , a favorite destination for mothers and children, for its collection and children's programs, but also for its garden with designer chairs. And you don't just have to go to museums, Broadway musicals like The Lion King , Matilda either Aladdin they will love it, and Wednesdays are again free for the little ones.
Museum of Natural History
"I WANT TO PLAY"
They have behaved very well in the museum and they have earned it: play a while in the park. Luckily, New York is full. You didn't expect it, did you? **Central Park alone has 21 recreational spaces**, all different and for different ages… Ancient Park , inspired by the Egyptian halls of the Metropolitan, with pyramids and temples to climb; the Adventure Playground , near the Natural History Museum, with water activities and spaces for younger children; and the Heckscher , the oldest and largest in the entire park.
After hitting the numbers at MoMATH, it's best to cool them off at Manhattan's funniest water park, the Pier 51 Play Arena or in Tom Otterness Playground , where art and play coexist. And in Brooklyn there are options with great views, the Brooklyn Bridge Park It has several recreation areas with pirate ships and the beautiful Jane's Carousel protected by a Jean Nouvel structure. For stronger emotions, ** Luna Park , on Coney Island **, with the oldest roller coaster and ferris wheel in the United States, raffles, games and, incidentally, a beach. And for something more wild experiences, the ** Tisch Children's Zoo, in Central Park, or the great Bronx Zoo **.
Belvedere Castle in Central Park
"I'M HUNGRY"
Normal. Even they need to stop and recover energy, but so that at the same time they don't stop playing, in New York there are places that will drive them crazy: ** Serendipity 3 is the most famous ** and, therefore, with more waiting almost always, but its fairytale décor and huge milkshakes and desserts are worth a try . On the same line and less crowded is Alice's Tea Cup with three Chapters (locations) in Manhattan. A more adult but fun option for children is the classic Broadway Ellen Stardust Diner , where the waiters sing between courses. In Ninja , there is sushi for the older ones, children's hamburger menu; and the place is a castle where they will feel like authentic ninjas. And, finally, between freakism and kitsch, but what are we going to do if they like it, there is the American Girl Cafe , where to have tea with biscuits with your doll. Yes, the doll will have tea too, no sugar for her please.
Alice's Tea Cup: the gastronomic paradise of the little ones
"WE HAVE ARRIVED"
With these plans you'll risk them saying the damn phrase, but maybe they won't because they'll be stunned, like you, by the views of Downtown Manhattan. And well, going by boat is always exciting: with the ferry to Staten Island, in addition to seeing those views for free and quite close to the Statue of Liberty, you can get to Historic Richmond Town , a place in the middle of this island that nobody pays attention to, where they show how they lived three centuries ago. Other excursions by boat and with historical lessons are the Governor's Island , always with themed weekends, games, bike rides... Ellis Island , on the history of immigrants: or that of Liberty Island , open again from this July 4th. I'm sure you'll also have fun riding the cable car that crosses Roosevelt Island attached to the Queensboro Bridge. Or visit the Queens County Farm Museum.
The ferry to Staten Island: a good plan
"I'M HUNGRY"
And me, son, and me. But no sitting down again, no more burgers. Something sweet . The day has been long and they deserve some candy. Three essential places in New York, where when you enter your eyes will light up and you won't know where to start: Economy Candy , the oldest candy store in new york (from 1937), with every possible flavor of jelly belly, Pez dispensers and other nostalgic candies ; Dylan's Candy Bar , another children's hyperglycemia paradise, famous for its multicolored lollipops; Y M&M's , Closest to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory in Manhattan . What is your favorite color? The light emerald. Well, here they have M&M's of that color.
Coney Island: Giant Hot Dogs and Ice Cream
“I MAKE PIIIIIIIIIIS”
For technical stops, the city is full of public services that are much cleaner than one might expect, especially those in the parks. But you can also always opt for bathrooms from large stores, such as those in Uniqlo, Macy's or Bloomingdale's...
AND, IN ADDITION, PLANS ACCORDING TO THE SEASON
In autumn? The Halloween parade and trick or treating. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade of Inflatable Balloons and on the eve, watch them blow up around the Natural History Museum. Roll in the mountains of fallen leaves in Central Park. Pumpkin and apple fairs. Dress up at Comic-Con.
In winter? The Bryant Park Skating Rinks. The Rockettes Christmas Show at Radio City Hall, a classic since 1930. Take a tour of Christmas window displays, authentic moving shows.
In spring? Picnic in Prospect Park. Cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
In summer? Outdoor movie nights in Bryan Park or on the banks of the Hudson. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge with an ice cream in hand purchased at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
*This article was first published on July 2, 2013 and updated on December 16, 2016
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FAO Schwarz at Christmas